Financial information
(1) Local Bank Accounts
You can open a local foreign currency/RMB account at the Bank of China (with traveler’s checks) and can withdraw funds using a passbook and/or an ATM card for the account issued in Anshan. When traveling, use the ATM card to withdraw funds. You should always carry sufficient money in cash to cover emergencies.
(2) ATM/Bank Cards
Automatic teller machines are available in China. In some cases, they will work with foreign-issued bank debit cards (especially those on the Cirrus or Plus networks) and usually will only be able to access a checking account for funds. Leave some checking account deposit slips for your parents in case they need to add money to your account. Please be sure to have some sources of funds other than ATM available as well.
(3) Credit Cards
Five international credit cards, that is, Master card, Visa card, Diners card, American express card and JCB card are accepted by major hotels and restaurants, and large department stores in China, but few other businesses. Most businesses operate on a cash-only basis.
(4) Traveler’s Check
Bank of China can cash traveler’s checks of international commercial banks and traveler’s checks companies of many countries and regions, such as USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland and Hong Kong etc..
However, traveler’s check is among the most useless things in other businesses in China.
(5) Changing Money
You will find several establishments in China where money-changing services are offered. Banks are the best places, offering the official rate and charging a reasonable commission. There also money-changing services at major hotels and international airports. A passport is required to change money. When changing money at an ATM with credit or bank cards, it is not always possible to check the rate you are being offered or to establish if there is a commission fee accessed (some may be higher or lower). Check your receipt carefully and avoid that machine in the future if rates are excessive. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current exchange rates before you go abroad.
(6) Remember to keep your receipts safely for all foreign currencies exchanged into RMB.Government regulations allow only 50% of the original amount to be changed back into foreign currencies and require proof of the initial exchange. (For example, if you change $100 to RMB you can only change back half of the RMB to dollars, $50 worth, and must provide the original exchange receipt). The RMB to dollar exchange must be made at the main branch of the Bank of China in the city.
(7) Do not change money outside of the official exchange services. Unofficial exchanges usually result in losing your money. The practice is illegal and you could also face charges of breaking foreign exchange laws.
(8) Safety
Do not keep large sums of cash in your dorm(room). Buy a travelers’ money belt and beware of pickpockets in crowds and on public transports.
